The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

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Hybrid View

Amateur Cartographer = Me

Hello, I found this board from AlternateHistory.com, where I believe a few of you are also on.

I've made pretty mediocre maps, mostly using Paint.NET since it's extremely fast and quick to make a map, excellent for 'jotting' down an idea of a map right when you think of it. In short, I'm a popcorn cartographer, sometimes choosing speed over quality. I joined this place because I'm really interested in making those super-awesome maps that I see now and then. Hopefully I can get close to that level one day.

welcome to the guild - if you check out our tutorials we'll have you mapping in no time. I'd suggest upgrading from paint to GIMP (still free) or photoshop if you got it - after learning the program you'll have much better options for working with your maps

Welcome, Kantein. Don't think poorly of your amateur status - the word just means doing something for the love of it rather than for the pay. Probably true of the professionals among us too, as far as the fantasy mappers, since the pay isn't exactly lucrative.

And maps, plural, in your first post is worthy of reputation - not enough are so bold.

Is there more behind the United Lands map? That's an interesting scenario.